Chemistry/Biochemistry

Earn a Chemistry Degree

Build a foundation for a career in science, medicine or education

Our chemistry department offers a curriculum in accordance with the expectations of the American Chemical Society. With the Bishop Gerber Science Center and continued external funding, you can expect to learn with state-of-the-art in brand new laboratories and classrooms. Most chemistry and biochemistry majors advance to medical school, graduate school, or obtain employment in the chemical industry. As of 2014, 52% of chemistry majors worked in the industry, 39% worked in academia and 7% worked in government.

Instrumentation in the Classroom

Students have routine access to all classes of modern chemical instrumentation for both laboratory courses and research projects, including:

FT NMR, FT IR, UV-VIS, GC MS, GC, and HPLC

We offer a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry, Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, and a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. A degree in chemistry is used as a prerequisite for pre-dentistry, pre-med, pre-optometry, pre-pharmacy, pre-physical therapy, and pre-veterinary.

About Our Faculty

Chemistry and Biochemistry Department

Our faculty and staff have the knowledge and experience to help you prepare for a career in chemistry or biochemistry. If you need clarification on a class assignment or advice on how to approach your future, you can feel confident that our faculty is available and ready to help.

Job Outlook

While pursuing a degree in chemistry or biochemistry, you can expect a promising future. The chemistry field is projected to grow 2% between 2014 and 2024. Our students are prepared to meet the expected demand for chemists.

Careers

A degree in chemistry or biochemistry will give you the opportunity to work in a variety of fields and specialties related to chemistry. Here are some examples of potential careers and their median salaries:

Industry

Annual mean wage (2)

Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing

$76,610

Scientific Research and Development Services

$90,130

Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services

$64,740

Federal Executive Branch (OES Designation)

$108,010

Chemical Manufacturing

$77,760

 

Internships

Our chemistry students have the opportunity to gain real-world experience by interning in the Wichita community. This allows you to gain experience in dentistry, education, leadership, medicine, optometry, pharmacy, research, and veterinary practices.

Get Involved on Campus

One of the best ways to find success during your college career is to get involved in campus clubs and organizations. Within our chemistry program, our students can join the Chemistry Club and Medical Professions Club. These organizations allow for personal growth, networking, and future career success.

Program Outcomes

 

Success Story — Liz Peuchen

For alumna Liz Peuchen, completing her undergraduate degree at Newman played a huge role in achieving her lifelong dreams. Upon graduating in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and two minors in math and history, Liz was accepted into a prestigious doctoral program at Notre Dame. Here, Liz has the opportunity to complete cutting-edge research toward her interest in spinal cord regeneration. When asked about the role that Newman played, Liz said it left her ready to dive into research. This is something her professors at Notre Dame noticed, as she was able to do research during her first year of graduate school without needing a professor or anyone else alongside her to teach her or show her the ropes.

Success Story — Renee Soukup-Hein

Newman alumna and chemistry major Renee Soukup-Hein achieved great accomplishments with undergraduate research that she completed at Newman University. Renee graduated in 2002 and decided to present her undergraduate research project at the 2002 Kansas Academy of Science Meeting at Fort Hays State University. As a result, her paper was published in the Kansas Academy of Science Abstracts through the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Texas at Arlington. This, along with her hard work and opportunities led her to completing her doctoral degree in Analytical Chemistry. When asked about her accomplishment, the Newman faculty responded, “Her attitude and actions embody the mission of NU, namely empowering others to do their best.  The science faculty is very proud of what Renee has accomplished, but we expected nothing less from her."

"Coming from Newman to [grad school at] Notre Dame I did feel prepared, actually more prepared than a lot of my classmates. Because at Newman, they really make us understand the material. We didn’t have tests with just one answer, rather we had to think through the questions which actually really helped us because we developed critical thinking."

Lizpeuchen

"I feel like I learned a lot of good basic skills to take with me into the workforce, as well as continue on in my pursuit of further knowledge in graduate programs like pharmaceutical school. All the professors are wonderful, they're very approachable. Not once did I feel put down. Fantastic... I can't say it any other way — it was fantastic."

Kennth Kent, Biochemistry (Cum Laude)

Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Division of Science & Mathematics
316-942-4291 ext. 2153
Office: BGSC215
|Chemistry
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Division of Science & Mathematics
316-942-4291 ext. 2428
Office: BGSC207
|Chemistry
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Division of Science and Mathematics
316-942-4291 ext. 2443
Office: BGSC209
|Chemistry
Admin Assistant to the Dean of School of Arts & Sciences
Division of Science and Mathematics
316-942-4291 ext. 2115
Office: BGSC205
|Chemistry|Forensic Science|Pre Engineering
Assoc Professor, Chair, Division of Science and Mathematics
Division of Science & Mathematics
316-942-4291 ext. 2142
Office: BGSC222
|MIS|Mathematics|Chemistry|Pre Engineering